Needs to switch to cage-free eggs

Always happy to see development in the Lynnwood area; the establishment of a new Costco location seemed to me like a great move for the city. Of course, I was also ready to become a member and begin taking advantage of the company’s famous bulk bargains. Then I saw a video online.

Rows and rows of cages in a dark, dank barn. Dim lights show hens peeking out of cages, their broken body parts trapped in the wire. They struggle over one another, trying desperately to find their own space. But each hen has less space than a sheet of paper; they cannot even stretch their wings. The eggs laid by these hens are sold in Costco stores.

Eight years ago, Costco publicly stated its intention to move away from cage systems and on to cage-free. In the meantime, the food industry has overtaken them. Most notably, a couple of weeks ago, McDonald’s committed to using cage-free eggs exclusively in 10 year’s time. Costco explicitly refuses to do the same.

I can’t support this kind of animal cruelty and I will not be visiting the Lynnwood store. I had thought this was an advancement for our city. I now see it for what it really is: a step backwards in an otherwise progressive society.

Jacob Penney

Lynnwood